The NBOA Professional Achievement Award recognizes the invaluable contributions made by independent school business, finance and operations staff who are not business officers. These staff members distinguish themselves every day and make exceptional contributions to their schools and the independent school community. The highlights below come straight from their colleagues' nominations.
Title: Accounts Payable and Receivable Officer, Financial Aid Administrator
School: St. Andrew’s School, Savannah, Georgia
Years in Position: 20
Years in an independent school business office: 20
Capital skill set: Deirdre (Dee) Demasi has served St. Andrew’s School for the past 20 years overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable and financial aid administration. “In that role, Dee serves as an important representation of the institution with families as they pay tuition and walk through the financial assistance process,” noted Director of Facilities Kelley Waldron. “Her ability to form supportive relationships with families in the process of applying for financial assistance allows us to make better decisions in award allocations and administration.” Waldron added that Demasi is detail-oriented in her work, with a keen interest towards making sure the school is using it funds to the best of its’ abilities. “When she sees orders or spending that may fall outside of the best use of funds, she will bring these to our attention or work to find the optimal solution.”
Compassionate to the core: In cases of non-payment or inability to complete tuition payments as outlined in contractual obligations, Demasi communicates compassionately with families and works to organize a plan to allow for payment completion in a way that acknowledges the sometimes unforeseen challenges of a family.
Committed to the community: Demasi not only has expertise, proficiency and professional accomplishments, she is committed to her school community. “There is proverbial wisdom that it takes 10 years of experience to master an area with expertise,” said Waldron. “Dee has served 20 years in the same role with an admirable commitment to the school, serving under four different heads of school and three different business managers.”
See a full list of the 2020 recipients and read more about the NBOA Professional Achievement Award. Net Assets will post additional profiles of award winners throughout the spring — check in to learn more about other recipients.
